After over 6 weeks of interviewing for a business development position at a huge company, I finally got the job! Launch date is September 10. I'm excited and a little scared, too. I haven't worked full time since my kids were little. For over 25 years, I had a semi-successful career as a CPA. It was rewarding but mostly frustrating because it really didn't fit my personality type. I am outgoing, spontaneous, risk-taking and a bit outrageous, how many CPAs fit that profile?!
I say semi-successful, because it was never my goal to be the best CPA I could be. I was raising my sons as a single mom, with a lot of help from my parents, and that was the focus of my life. The work I did was sooooo boring but I did it so I could afford to raise my kids, and I'm grateful for that but I've been searching high and low for what to do next in my life apres kids.
I reinvented myself and completely changed my life. I fell in love, got engaged and disengaged, moved to Boston and back, traveled numerous times back and forth from Los Angeles, Boston, Paris and even started a tour business, Find Yourself In France. Heck, I even took courses on making chocolates and became a chocolatiere in my spare time. Its surprising that the career I found actually builds upon my years of consulting experience with businesses and something I've been doing all along. What I loved best about my career as a CPA was helping clients solve problems. I dreamt of doing this full time, if I could have only found a way to get paid without actually doing accounting! Well, I can! Its called Business Development. I never even heard the term before it literally fell in my lap.
I don't start for 5 weeks and I want to use this time to prepare myself for the challenges and fulfillment coming my way. From watching what I eat and drink to moving my body more, I want to increase my energy so I have plenty of resources to draw from. I joined the yoga studio next door to my new office and already started doing yoga again. I'm buying myself a present to celebrate; a brand new cruising bicycle for weekends at the beach. I'm clearing out closets and stuff that I've accumulated to make room for space and serenity. And taking care of nagging details that I have left undone. Its a great feeling to get my life in order and realize that having it all doesn't mean having it all at the same time.
France will always be my passion and I will continue to design custom trips to Paris and I'm still keeping my eye on that Paris office with a view of the Opera.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
An Office with a View... of Paris
I had my 4th interview with the multi-national company today! I got to experience a couple hours in the day of a "salesperson's" life. It was hectic but meshed well with my ADD personality. I'm excited to start already, but they want me to visit more people and places. I told them a story about how my father changed careers from law to financial advisor with Merrill Lynch. He was a little older than I am now, and hated working in law, its the ADD thing! He applied for a job at Merrill Lynch and they rejected him. Well, he wasn't about to take no for an answer so he showed up anyway and they gave him a desk. He worked there 15 years before he retired. I jokingly warned them today, that I was going to come back and sit at the empty desk by the door if they didn't hire me already!
Earlier this week, I visited the very bustling Los Angeles office. It was humming with energy and everyone was happy. I got the courage to tell the big boss that one day I wanted to work in the Paris office. Yikes, in the past, during an interview, I would say anything they wanted to hear to get the job. This time, I was authentic and told him what I really want. Wow, what a concept! He had recently been to Paris and wanted to know if I knew where the office was located. I told him the exact location in the 9th, near the Opera and Galleries Lafayette, just two streets away from my favorite shoe store. Of course, I had already google mapped it! Now he knew how to motivate me and he introduced me to an account exec who had recently relocated from the UK and now was living his dream life in Santa Monica, blocks from the beach and 10 minutes from the office. The message to me was clear : anything's possible when you ask for what you want.
Earlier this week, I visited the very bustling Los Angeles office. It was humming with energy and everyone was happy. I got the courage to tell the big boss that one day I wanted to work in the Paris office. Yikes, in the past, during an interview, I would say anything they wanted to hear to get the job. This time, I was authentic and told him what I really want. Wow, what a concept! He had recently been to Paris and wanted to know if I knew where the office was located. I told him the exact location in the 9th, near the Opera and Galleries Lafayette, just two streets away from my favorite shoe store. Of course, I had already google mapped it! Now he knew how to motivate me and he introduced me to an account exec who had recently relocated from the UK and now was living his dream life in Santa Monica, blocks from the beach and 10 minutes from the office. The message to me was clear : anything's possible when you ask for what you want.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Grad-bag
I wonder if anyone makes paper photos anymore, in this digital age of clicking and posting. I have boxes of old photos that I went through yesterday with my parents who are here for the graduation. We found pictures of my mom and dad when they were young and beautiful. Mom, took a picture of my dad when he looked like a version of young Charlie Sheen. Hold it up to his face now with his long white pony tail, oh well, never mind!
I can't believe Jonathan and Sam are graduating. I look at their little faces in the pictures and can remember those days like they are yesterday. So sweet and adorable and funny as hell. I had such a good time being their mom. Of course I still am their mom, but no longer on an everyday basis. Needless to say, I am so proud of them, both graduating in a tough subject, physiology, Jonathan with honors and with applications in medical schools all over the country. Sam discovering his entrepreneurship and leadership. They have truly become wonderful men, gentle yet strong, smart, of course, but emotionally balanced and with the world of opportunities in front of them. I always taught them they can be anything they put their minds to, as long as they are happy doing it. I guess I wasn't always happy being a CPA so that was my main message to them, do what you can be happy doing. I am still in search for my true passion. With the boys growing up and finding their passion, I am finding myself on the same path. I have an opportunity to interview with a large multi-national company. I haven't had a corporate job, even a full time job for over 14 years! I don't have the excuse anymore that I have to take care of my kids. Why am I considering it? They have offices in Paris :)
I can't believe Jonathan and Sam are graduating. I look at their little faces in the pictures and can remember those days like they are yesterday. So sweet and adorable and funny as hell. I had such a good time being their mom. Of course I still am their mom, but no longer on an everyday basis. Needless to say, I am so proud of them, both graduating in a tough subject, physiology, Jonathan with honors and with applications in medical schools all over the country. Sam discovering his entrepreneurship and leadership. They have truly become wonderful men, gentle yet strong, smart, of course, but emotionally balanced and with the world of opportunities in front of them. I always taught them they can be anything they put their minds to, as long as they are happy doing it. I guess I wasn't always happy being a CPA so that was my main message to them, do what you can be happy doing. I am still in search for my true passion. With the boys growing up and finding their passion, I am finding myself on the same path. I have an opportunity to interview with a large multi-national company. I haven't had a corporate job, even a full time job for over 14 years! I don't have the excuse anymore that I have to take care of my kids. Why am I considering it? They have offices in Paris :)
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Its Ladylike to Drive a Stick!
As the belles ladies finish their trek through La Belle France, I had my first lesson driving a stick shift with Nima at http://www.stickshiftlessons.net/. He is a great teacher and very patient. I highly recommend him if this is a goal you want to achieve. He taught me some of the basics and I spent an hour just starting and stopping in a parking lot. Not safe enough for the streets but I hope to conquer driving in canyons in the next few lessons. I did not stall even once, so I feel pretty good about that. It took courage to get behind the wheel of a stick shift, as I recounted earlier, my first experiences were not pleasant, but this time I really enjoyed the feeling of driving a manual transmission, feeling in touch with the car and the road. I am anticipating the journey through the French countryside with the wind in my hair and the road stretched out before me.
The Princesses ended their 6 day jaunt from Paris to Monaco yesterday, check out gorgeous photos -Finale-Monegasque-pour-le-Rallye-des-Princesses
The Princesses ended their 6 day jaunt from Paris to Monaco yesterday, check out gorgeous photos -Finale-Monegasque-pour-le-Rallye-des-Princesses
Monday, May 28, 2012
Vision Boards
Have you ever made a vision board? You cut out pictures and words and paste them on a board to create a visual interpretation of what you want in life. Its a great manifesting tool but its all about the future and puts what you want outside of yourself, because you don't yet have it. I've made vision boards and the things on them really do come to be, but its usually in a way that I really didn't expect or even want in the end. Like wanting to meet a Frenchman so we could live in France one day but he lived in Boston, which was no where on my vision board! Still I rationalized Boston was at least closer to Paris! The move back east took me away from my family and friends and in the end was not at all what I really wanted but perhaps it was just what I needed. The move to Boston showed me how much I need to be close to my family and friends. If I move to France would I really be happy?
My friends Ana and Cynthia were over for a Memorial Day BBQ yesterday and we made vision boards, differently. First we thought about what we want to manifest in our lives and we asked each other what was the feeling we wanted from having those things. I want to manifest living in a farmhouse in France. The feeling behind this was more difficult to define. I love the quality and pace of life in France, that you can be a short train ride away from the vibrant, magical city of Paris and also experience the medieval villages, rolling hillsides covered with sunflowers or lavender and taste amazing food and wine in the terroir. The respect for living close to the land and dedication to the art of living in every aspect are the things I really love about France.
Identifying the feeling perspective was very important because you can more easily manifest those feelings by changing things slightly in your life right now, rather than wait to achieve some huge goal out in the future. The question comes to mind, do I really want to own a farmhouse in France? Of course not! To deal with real estate issues, renovation costs and then be so far away from family and friends to even enjoy it makes the whole goal of owning a farmhouse in France seem less appealing. But I don't really need to own a farmhouse to have the feelings I want to achieve. I have friends who live on a 200 year old farmhouse and vineyard in the Burgundy region. I can stay with them for a few weeks and help out on the farm and vineyard and manifest the true feelings I am longing for without too much investment. My experience will always be with me and I can bring elements of the lifestyle I love back to my home in Southern California. Like cooking French food with my neighbor Julietta who is French and makes beautiful jewelry at her studio and boutique, Mon Bijou . I will plant lavender in my patio, whose scent reminds me of Provence and place a long farm table outside under the sycamore tree for outside meals. In these small ways, I can bring France to me and create my dreams. I am also booking my ticket to France for 3 weeks in September to help with the grapes and chickens on my friend, Maria Cuny's vineyard. Ah life is good!
My friends Ana and Cynthia were over for a Memorial Day BBQ yesterday and we made vision boards, differently. First we thought about what we want to manifest in our lives and we asked each other what was the feeling we wanted from having those things. I want to manifest living in a farmhouse in France. The feeling behind this was more difficult to define. I love the quality and pace of life in France, that you can be a short train ride away from the vibrant, magical city of Paris and also experience the medieval villages, rolling hillsides covered with sunflowers or lavender and taste amazing food and wine in the terroir. The respect for living close to the land and dedication to the art of living in every aspect are the things I really love about France.
Identifying the feeling perspective was very important because you can more easily manifest those feelings by changing things slightly in your life right now, rather than wait to achieve some huge goal out in the future. The question comes to mind, do I really want to own a farmhouse in France? Of course not! To deal with real estate issues, renovation costs and then be so far away from family and friends to even enjoy it makes the whole goal of owning a farmhouse in France seem less appealing. But I don't really need to own a farmhouse to have the feelings I want to achieve. I have friends who live on a 200 year old farmhouse and vineyard in the Burgundy region. I can stay with them for a few weeks and help out on the farm and vineyard and manifest the true feelings I am longing for without too much investment. My experience will always be with me and I can bring elements of the lifestyle I love back to my home in Southern California. Like cooking French food with my neighbor Julietta who is French and makes beautiful jewelry at her studio and boutique, Mon Bijou . I will plant lavender in my patio, whose scent reminds me of Provence and place a long farm table outside under the sycamore tree for outside meals. In these small ways, I can bring France to me and create my dreams. I am also booking my ticket to France for 3 weeks in September to help with the grapes and chickens on my friend, Maria Cuny's vineyard. Ah life is good!
Friday, May 25, 2012
Vroom, vrooooom
The Rallye des Princesses (Princess Rally) begins this weekend in Paris. Its a ladies dream trip of a lifetime. In a hot vintage car, you and your best girlfriend, drive throughout the countryside in France for 6 adventurous days. Beginning in Paris and through small mountain top villages on windy roads past chateaux and lavender fields all the way to Monaco.
I remember viewing all the hot vintage autos lined up at the Place Vendôme when I was Paris in May 2009. All the chic cars and the chicer chicks driving them. Its a regularity race, meaning no speed but you have maintain an average kilometers per hour throughout the entire course to win. Stay in castles and 4 star inns, eat amazing food and drink wonderful wines, but not when driving :)
Who wants to take this once in a lifetime excursion with me? I am planning a group for 6 women next year. You don't need your own hot rod. I'll make all the arrangements to sign up for this event and rent the hot vehicles to drive. We'll also spend a few days pampering and shopping in Paris before the rally and a few days on the Côte d'Azur basking in the sun. Sign up for a spot, details will follow!
I remember viewing all the hot vintage autos lined up at the Place Vendôme when I was Paris in May 2009. All the chic cars and the chicer chicks driving them. Its a regularity race, meaning no speed but you have maintain an average kilometers per hour throughout the entire course to win. Stay in castles and 4 star inns, eat amazing food and drink wonderful wines, but not when driving :)
Who wants to take this once in a lifetime excursion with me? I am planning a group for 6 women next year. You don't need your own hot rod. I'll make all the arrangements to sign up for this event and rent the hot vehicles to drive. We'll also spend a few days pampering and shopping in Paris before the rally and a few days on the Côte d'Azur basking in the sun. Sign up for a spot, details will follow!
Start learning how to drive a stick!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Driving and Dreaming
Still dreaming of my farmhouse in France...but first I have to learn to drive a stick shift car. My ex-husband tried to teach me to drive a stick while we lived in Germany. He took me to the Alps, got out of the car and traded seats with me; got out his book and said :ok, drive. I was trembling and threw the gears from first to fifth and blew out the catalitic converter before even turning the bend. Not a good start. And I haven't gotten behind the wheel of a manual vehicle since. But if I want to get around in France, I think its a good idea to give it another try, what do you think of driving around the country in this sweetie?
Vézelay
Monday, May 21, 2012
Life on a Vineyard in Burgundy
Had a delightful conversation with Maria Cuny an her husband Yves. You can see her in a video on her vineyard here Maria Cuny's vineyard in Burgundy. Maria reminded me that I left my coat there, so, of course I must go back and get it! They are happy to welcome me to their farm and vineyard even as soon as next month! But I think I will go in September. Its a beautiful month and it will give me some time to prepare. Not sure what my objective is yet. But I want to see if there is any opportunity for me to live there for a few months at a time, come back for a few months and make this part time living in France business work!
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Visualize with all Your Senses
After a few days of melancholy I decided to do something to boost my spirits. Nothing like an expensive new Beverly Hills hair style at Frederic Fekkai. A sexy Frenchman cut my locks and a sexy Italian man did my color. While sipping champagne, I was transformed. Worth every penny! Oh, I got to speak French, they are all from France there, of course, and so charming!
My coach Carolyn Braddock, from Ojai gave me an assignment...to imagine myself one year from now...engage all my senses; sight; smell; taste; feel it as I gather information about my journey. I used to dream about living on a farmhouse in France overlooking the Mediterranean. The Frenchman took me to Cabris, a town above the Mediterranean with magnificent views and stone or stucco homes with tile roofs and colorful shutters. It was a scene right out of my dream. I can still feel the ocean breezes and the hot Provencale sun and smell the lavender fields and olive trees growing wild on the hillside.
Last September I stayed at Maria Cuny's vineyard in Burgundy. I was so happy peeling organic apples and quince for confiture. The vineyard is featured on my Taste of Burgundy Tour. I want to go back there and help on the vines. I will call her today and see if I can arrange to stay with her later this year. I think I am getting closer to my goal!
My coach Carolyn Braddock, from Ojai gave me an assignment...to imagine myself one year from now...engage all my senses; sight; smell; taste; feel it as I gather information about my journey. I used to dream about living on a farmhouse in France overlooking the Mediterranean. The Frenchman took me to Cabris, a town above the Mediterranean with magnificent views and stone or stucco homes with tile roofs and colorful shutters. It was a scene right out of my dream. I can still feel the ocean breezes and the hot Provencale sun and smell the lavender fields and olive trees growing wild on the hillside.
Last September I stayed at Maria Cuny's vineyard in Burgundy. I was so happy peeling organic apples and quince for confiture. The vineyard is featured on my Taste of Burgundy Tour. I want to go back there and help on the vines. I will call her today and see if I can arrange to stay with her later this year. I think I am getting closer to my goal!
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Legal Schmegal
Empty Promises."Oh, we'll get married and you'll have a French passport. You'll be French!!!"
Boy was I seduced by that line. Anyway, no time to dwell on the past. I decided to do a little research about the legalities of living part time in France. Here is a link to some information Rick Steves - How to Live in Europe: There is something called the Schengen Zone, where I can only live for 3 months at a time and I have to prove that I have enough income and also have adequate health insurance. Ok, that's doable, I think.
My friend Audrey of The Audrey Johnson Show told me:
"I believe you have great ideas. and you are brilliant. You just do not trust yourself.
Well, I need to start. I have lost everything, you know, I am completely starting over. Except I have the most important things. My health, my family, my friends
...and my dreams!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Don't Let Go of the Dream
My dream was to live part time in France, part time in California. Exactly 3 years ago I met a Frenchman. Shortly after we got engaged and then I moved to Boston. It wasn't France but I reasoned I was closer to France but it was too cold, too far and I was too lonely. 6 months ago I moved back to California to pursue my goal once again: to live part time in France and part time in California. The Challenge is to create a lifestyle that supports this goal. Any ideas out there?
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